What Is Remapping: A Simple Guide

An increasingly popular way to boost the power and performance of a car’s engine is remapping. But what exactly is it, how much does it cost and will it affect your car insurance?

What is car engine remapping?

Remapping a car, also known as ‘chipping’, is a quick and fairly cost-effective process that involves adjusting the microchip in your car’s Electronic Control Unit (ECU), to overwrite the manufacturer’s factory settings. This allows your car to function at its full potential.

The ECU is essentially a computer in your car that controls the power of your engine. When a car is manufactured, the default settings on the ECU software are typically set to limit its performance capabilities. Manufacturers do this to lengthen the life of a car, by adapting the software to climates, terrains and fuel qualities of a specific country. It also means they can release a faster, more powerful version at a later date.

Remapping the software and fine-tuning the engine can increase a car’s power and torque output, and maximise its overall performance by as much as 35%.

It’s highly recommended that car remapping is carried out by a qualified specialist to avoid the risk of engine damage. The procedure only takes about 30 minutes and, if done properly, you should notice a significant improvement in your car’s performance almost immediately.

 

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